Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 brings 4 cores and 8 threads. Clocks run from 2.5GHz base to 2.5GHz boost. It drops into the LGA775 socket with a 95W TDP — about 23.8W per core. Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP.

Its $130.98 price tag places it squarely in budget territory. Drop it into the PlanMyPC builder to check compatibility with the rest of your parts and compare current processor prices across retailers. Intel backs the product through its standard warranty channels; check the listing for region-specific terms. Scroll down for the complete spec table; the builder's compatibility checker will warn you about any conflicts with components you have already picked.